MN Bike Trail Navigator

Velolet Connects Cyclists with the Rental Bike They Need in the Twin Cities Area

2013-05-20T10:57:00.000-05:00

Velolet is a is a centralized, one stop shop for renting bikes and bike gear. It was founded in 2010 in Minneapolis by avid cyclist Dan Cleary and officially launched in January 2011. "We help cyclists rent bikes when they travel by connecting them with inventory that is otherwise difficult to find. The cyclist renting the bike gets what they want (to ride) and the bike owners earns some money. Us? We take a little fee in there ourselves but that's only to keep the bike hub rolling smoothly." states the Velolet website.

Are you flying into town for that ride or race and didn't want to bring your own bike or you're just going to be in Minneapolis for a few days and would like to ride in one of the country's top bicycling cities? Maybe you only have a road bike and would like to try mountain biking at one of the local mountain bike trails. Curious about fatbikes or just need one for that upcoming race? Velolet can put you in the saddle of the bike of your choice without the hassle of calling around town trying to find a bike that is available when you need it.

Not sure about the size bike you need? Use the sizing chart below to help you reserve the right size bike. Upon picking up your rental, any minor adjustments can be made at the bike shop supplying the rental.

If you need a bike in the Twin Cities Area, there are several locations around town that offer everything from road, comfort, mountain, tandem, hybrid, kids and fatbikes for rent. Velolet participating bike shops offer hourly, daily and weekly rental options.

Penn Cycle Locations

Penn Cycle - Eagan

2290 Cliff Road

Eagan, MN 55122

651-882-1241

Penn Cycle - Bloomington

3916 W. Old Shakopee Road

Bloomington, MN 55437

952-888-1427

Penn Cycle - Lake Street*

710 W. Lake Street

Minneapolis, MN 55408

612-822-2228

*Delivery service available

Penn Cycle - Richfieild

6824 Penn Avenue S.

Richfield, MN 55423

612-866-7540

Penn Cycle - Woodbury

6415 Lake Road Terrace

Woodbury, MN 55125

651-731-9458

Penn Cycle - Blaine

12555 Ulysses St NE
Suite 160
Blaine, MN 55434

763-432-9430

Penn Cycle - Minnetonka*

10750 Cedar Bend
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-593-5030

*Fatbike rentals

Other Twin Cities Bike Shop Locations

Freewheel Bike - Midtown

2834 10th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-238-4447

Bicycle Chain - Roseville
1712 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN 55113
651-489-4513

Do you want to know more about how Velolet works? Visit the FAQ page to have some common questions answered. Click here to see what the press is saying about Velolet or read more about them on the Velolet Blog. Follow Velolet on Twitter @velolet or like them on Facebook.

Penn Cycle & Fitness

Anniversary Sale!

Weekend Cycling Events: May 17-19

2013-05-16T19:28:00.000-05:00

This weekend starts off Friday with National Bike to Work Day as a part of National Bike Month. Saturday there are rides to raise funds to cure ALS and Diabetes, a family friendly bike event and the Almanzo gravel races. Sunday is the first race of the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series for all of those mountain bikers looking to get out and race the singletrack.

National Bike to Work Day-May 17, 2013

Join the League of American Bicyclists and millions of other Americans for the National Bike to Work Day Friday by commuting by bike to your job.

Kick it in Gear-May 18, 2013
St. Cloud, MN
10, 5, 2 miles

This family friendly casual bike event takes place at Lake George in St. Cloud on Saturday from 9:00 am to noon.

ALS Bike Trek MN-May 18, 2013
Marine on St. Croix, MN
52, 34, 14 miles
Online registration (Closes at 12:00 pm May 17)

The ALS Bike Trek takes place on Saturday and has three routes to choose from all starting at the Big Marine Park Reserve. These routes vary by experience level and travel the scenic roads of Washington County. This ride is fully supported and has rest stop along each of the routes. After the ride there will be a bbq and live music. Day-of registration will be available.

Rochester Tour de Cure-May 18, 2013
Rochester, MN
62, 40, 27, 10 mile

This year's Rochester Tour de Cure on Saturday has routes for all levels of cyclists, from the experienced to the occasional rider. Registration fee with a fundraising minimum are required and funds go to diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association.

St. Croix Woolly-May 19, 2013
Minnesota Mountain Bike Series
St. Croix Falls, WI
Online Registration (Closes at 8 pm on May 16)

The St. Croix Woolly on Sunday kicks off the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series on the Woolly Trail Network in St. Croix Falls, WI. There are race classes for all levels of mountain biker, from Kids Comp, Citizen, Sport, and Expert & Pro. There will also be a free Kids Fun Race at 12:45 for children ages 3 - 12.

For those that registered months ago (registration now closed), there is the grand daddy of gravel races going on this weekend in Spring Valley, MN. The Almanzo 100 and The Royal 162 will start early Saturday morning on some of the toughest hill climbing gravel roads in the Root River Valley area. To follow the Instagram photos from the Almanzo 100 check out the RaceVista website. The Alexander, a nearly 400 mile gravel ride will also take place starting out in Spring Valley on Friday and last through Sunday. For updates during these races, follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Full Cycle Celebrates New Shop Expansion With Open House

2013-05-15T07:02:00.000-05:00

Join Full Cycle in celebrating their new shop expansion at an Open House on Thursday, May 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm. It will be a chance to tour the newly expanded space, meet with the staff and learn how Full Cycle changes lives.

Google Maps Street View

Image Credit: Pillsbury United Communities

The new space is located directly behind their shop in the old Fire Station 17 building which is also home to Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and the Land Stewardship Project.

Image Credit: Full Cycle

It will be an evening of appetizers, drinks and bike talk. Come by to see their new space, learn from the dedicated staff how the shop works and how their internship program helps homeless and street-dependent youth. This free event is open to the public and you are encouraged to RSVP online. For Google Maps driving directions to Full Cycle, click here.

To learn more about Full Cycle see my post Full Cycle Bike Shop-Changing Lives One Bike at a Time.

Full Cycle is an integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that helps create choice, change and connection.

Northern Portions of the Willard Munger State Trail to be Closed for Repairs

2013-05-13T15:13:00.003-05:00

If you plan on riding the northern section of the Willard Munger State Trail be aware of trail closures for repairs from the June 2012 flooding to be taking place. The Minnesota DNR recently sent out a Press Release about the closures. Redecking of the St. Loius River and Forbay bridges will taking place from a start time in late April lasting approximately 6 weeks resulting in a trail closure from Carlton to Thompson.

In early June a section of the trail in West Duluth will be closed for repairs to flood damaged areas. The trail between these two sections set for closure will be open for use but there may be some unpaved areas in need of repair.

For more up-to-date trail construction information, visit the Willard Munger State Trail page or call the MN DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157, toll-free 888-646-6367, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Repairs Map

Weekend Cycling Events: May 10-12

2013-05-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

It's another busy weekend of cycling events as the temperatures warm up and we start to finally have Spring. Whether you are looking for a ride, duathlon, road/mountain bike race, swap meet or a way to support a worthy cause, there is something for all cyclists this weekend.

This weekend starts off on Friday night with the Duluth Traverse Gala to raise funds for construction of the longest urban multi-use singletrack trail in the nation.

May 10, 2013
COGGS 2nd Annual Duluth Traverse Gala
Duluth, MN

Friday night also has an event for the beer lover. The 1st Annual Minneapolis Bike 'n' Brew Tour is where you can join local urban and transportation bloggers on an 8 mile route visiting 5 Minneapolis breweries.

May 10, 2013
1st Annual Minneapolis Bike 'n' Brew Tour
Minneapolis, MN

The 4th Annual Tour de Tonka Kick-Off Ride starts at 6:30 Friday night at the Minnetonka Community Education Center and registration is only $5.

May 10, 2013
Tour de Tonka Kick-Off Ride
Minnetonka, MN
16, 10 miles
Online Registration

Bike Jerks and Peacock Groove will be hosting a Swap Meet and Bike Show outdoors at Peacock Groove on 27th Ave. S. just off the Midtown Greenway. Buy some parts or show off your rad ride from noon to 4 pm on Saturday.

May 11, 2013
Bike Jerks X Peacock Groove Swap Meet/Bike Show
Minneapolis, MN

Saturday morning is the Bike MS-Sam's Club Twin Cities Ride that starts and finishes at Century College in White Bear Lake. Choose from a 22 or 52 mile route along the Gateway State Trail. Day-of registration is available with a $25 registration fee and a $50 minimum donation.

May 11, 2013
Bike MS: Sam's Club Twin Cites Ride
White Bear Lake, MN
52, 22 miles
Online registration closed.

The Central Lakes Cycle 2nd Annual 24/7 Duathlon takes place Saturday morning at Central Lakes Cycle in Fergus Falls. The course will follow rolling paved county roads and the scenic Central Lakes Trail.

May 11, 2013
Central Lakes Cycle 2nd Annual 24/7 Duathlon
Fergus Falls, MN
20 mile bike, 4 mile run, 7 mile bike
Online Registration (Closes May 10)

If road racing is a little more your style, the series opener of the Farm Dog Time Trial starts on Saturday morning on a T-shaped 8 mile course in Eureka Township.

May 11, 2013
Farm Dog Time Trial-Race #1
Eureka Township, MN
8.3 mile "T" course

The Oakdale Spring Classic Duathlon will take place Saturday morning at the Lake Elmo Reserve in Lake Elmo. Online registration is now closed and registration after May 8th is $75 for individuals and $90 for teams. This event is limited to 500 participants.

May 11, 2013
Oakdale Spring Classic Duathlon
Oakdale, MN
3 mile run, 14 mile bike, 2.5 mile run
Online Registration closed.

Live Well Winona will be holding its first ever Open Steets event on Saturday from 10 am to noon at Veterans Memorial Park in Winona. This is a free event and no reservations are required. In the event of rain, Open Streets Winona will be cancelled.

Open Streets Winona-May 11, 2013
Winona, MN

For the mountain bike racing enthusiast there is the Sandwich 50 Enduro on Saturday morning at Eastwood Park in Rochester. A $10 day-of registration fee is required to race. Conditions for the course are looking good according to this update.

May 11, 2013
Sandwich 50 Enduro
Rochester, MN
Eastwood Park
50 miles
Registration

Mountain bikers that are looking for a low key, relaxed race to start off the season should head to the Spring Fling at Hillside Saturday morning. It's a great opportunity to try out that new bike, give mountain bike racing a try for the first time or dust off the cobwebs from a long winter and it's only a $10 entry fee.

Credit: MORC

May 11, 2013
5th Annual Spring Fling at Hillside
Elk River, MN
Hillside Park

The Three Rivers Park District will be holding one of five Handcycle Open Houses on Sunday from 6 to 8 pm on a specially designed 2.2 mile trail at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. This is a free event but does require reservation. Trained staff will provide private lessons upon request on one of their three off-road handcycles.

Credit: Three Rivers Park District

May 12, 2013
Handcycle Open House
Maple Grove, MN
Elm Creek Park Reserve

Runtastic Mountain Bike App is Full of Useful Features

2013-05-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

Runtastic Mountain Bike has been available for Apple's iPhone for over a year now and has just recently added the Android platform. This feature loaded app is available in a Pro version in the iTunes App Store and a Free & Pro version in Google Play. I recently downloaded the Pro version to give it a try since I was looking for an app that was accurate at tracking my rides and ride statistics, would allow me to follow created routes and could be used offline in areas with no data coverage. Runtastic Mountain Bike fit these criteria.

This app is full of the features that will come in handy to the mountain biker.

ON THE TRAIL (limited features in LITE version):
* Tracking of critical performance statistics from mtb session – duration, distance, altitude, calories, time
* Ride thousands of mountainbike routes, using Route Search (available in-app and on www.runtastic.com)
* Configurable maps: Google Maps and Open Cycle Map
* Offline maps: For off track treks in areas without GSM coverage
* Colored traces (track biking pace, speed, grade, elevation, heart rate)
* Current rate of climb, ratio of gained or lost altitude (downhill) in meters per minute
* Cadence measurement (with additional hardware)
* Heart rate measurement (with additional hardware)
* Dashboard configuration – displays preferred biking statistics
* Automatic pause detection during your trek using ANT+ sensors
* Weather statistics
* LIVE Tracking – track your trail in real time to share with friends
* Voice feedback of performance statistics, motivational messages available in numerous languages
* Take pictures – they'll be saved with your mtb tour overview and velo statistics
COMPATIBLE HARDWARE:
* Various Runtastic heart rate monitors
* Runtastic Bike Case for Android Smartphones + accessories
* Runtastic Sports Armband + accessories
AFTER YOUR RIDE (limited features in LITE version):
* Detailed overview of your mtb session with navigation start and end points
* Key metric analysis – altitude, grade, cadence, heart rate, distance, pace
* Interval splits: Analysis and table view from each part of your mountainbike trek
* Detailed post-ride data on time rode uphill, downhill, and flat
* Full velo training history – statistics, graphics, training progress overview
* Share your biking activities and accomplishments on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and via e-mail

I put it to the test on some gravel roads in Welch, MN where I knew there was limited data coverage. I created several maps on the Runtastic website and saved my routes. The map creation was easy to do and was synced to the app under my Created Routes. By opening a created routes map, it can be downloaded for offline use. Not only do the offline maps work well when there is no data coverage, but it will save on battery as well. The route was highlighted in red and showed my location in real time. I followed two of my created routes and never missed a turn or got off track. When riding unfamiliar areas it's nice knowing exactly where you are at on your route. If you prefer, voice feedback is available during your ride which will speak details such as distance, duration, pace, speed, calories and heart rate, just check the ones you want to hear in the settings menu.

After your ride you can view a summary of all your statistics. View a map of your ride with start and finish points, elevation changes with colored traces and mileage markers. The main summary will show all of your ride statistics with multitude of details. A split table shows your fastest and slowest sections as well as duration, speed and elevation change. The graph contains details about elevation, speed, pace and heart rate (when used with Runtastic Heart Rate Monitor). Detailed pie charts show all of your grade statistics including time and distance spent uphill, flat and downhill and also includes a summary of average and max grades for uphill and downhill. I had read some reviews that this app was heavy on battery use but after using it for four hours with data turned off using my downloaded route maps with the GPS turned on, I still had 53% battery remaining. I haven't used the app with data turned on and heavy battery use could be the case in this mode as data use tends to decrease battery life anyway. Extend battery life by downloading an offline map area where you will be riding and avoid using battery eating data coverage.

So far this app has met all of my expectations and my ride information is synced on my Runtastic account online for later review. If you ride a lot of gravel, complex trail networks or areas with limited data coverage, Runtastic Mountain Bike will prove invaluable.

National Bike Month Starts First Weekend With Plenty of Events

2013-05-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

May is National Bike Month and the first weekend has an event for just about everyone to celebrate the bicycle. The weekend starts off Friday with a party to toast the end of 30 Days of Biking. Saturday and Sunday have a wide variety of events that include rides, a duathlon, a couple gravel grinders and a long distance brevet.

This weekend's CycleCast from 2WheelWeather is looking a little wet and chilly with a slight warm up on Sunday. Cyclists that participated in April's 30 Days of Biking faced challenging weather that included rain, sleet, snow and only a limited number of warm sunny days. That didn't stop them and don't let a little inclement weather keep you from getting out on your bike and celebrating the first weekend of Bike Month.

May 3, 2013
30 Days of Biking One on One Party
Minneapolis, MN

One on One Bicycle Studio

May 4, 2013

Bike Ride Around Woman

Longville, MN
18+ miles (30 km)

May 4, 2013
Cinco Du Mayo Duathlon
Stillwater, MN
5K run, 20 mile bike, 5K run
2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run

May 4, 2013
Community Ride to the May Day Festival
Minneapolis, MN

May 4, 2013
Inspiration 50
Urbank, MN
50, 25 miles

May 4, 2013
200k Northern Pancake Brevet
Brooklyn Center, MN

May 5, 2013
Dickie Scramble
Elgin, MN
Approximately 120 miles
Registration closed.

May 5, 2013
Women's Ride Day
Minneapolis, MN
25 miles

The National Bike Challenge has started and even if you don't make it to one of the events above you can join in, get out on the bike and log some miles this weekend. For more details see my post 2013 National Bike Challenge Starts May 1st.

2013 National Bike Challenge Starts May 1st

2013-05-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

The National Bike Challenge returns for 2013 bigger and better than ever. The League of American Bicyclists are the presenters and organizers of this year's Challenge that is sponsored by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The goal this year is to unite 50,000 people to bike 20 Million miles for fitness, recreation or transportation from May 1st through September 30th. It's free to anyone who lives in the U.S., easy to join and Endomondo has made it simple to log your miles. Join and ride solo, create a team or pedal for your workplace and start logging those miles to be eligible for great raffle prizes.

There are several options for entering your rides. The easiest way is by GPS enabled smartphone using the Endomondo app. It can also be done online when signed into your Endomondo account by importing workouts from a Garmin device, GPX, TCX and FIT files from another device/app or by clicking the "Log Miles" icon and entering your miles. The Log Miles option allows you to save often-traveled routes such as commutes or errands to enter them easily.

Join the 2013 National Bike Challenge and get fit, have fun biking and become a part of a national online community. Visit the Official Rules, the FAQ page or the the National Bike Challenge Manual for more information on this year's Challenge. Follow @NatlBikeChallng on Twitter or "Like" on Facebook for updates, to share your ride pictures, ask questions or for any other Challenge-related items.

Riding My First Century at the 2013 Minnesota Ironman

2013-04-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

Image Credit: HaveFunBiking

With a wintery April and a major winter snowstorm only six days before this year's Minnesota Ironman Ride, there wasn't much opportunity to train on the bike outdoors. That didn't stop a record number of cyclists from coming out to ride the new routes through the St. Croix River Valley. 4696 cyclists turned out for this 47 year tradition that kicks off the Spring riding season. The beautiful weather forecast for ride day that was provided by meteorologist Kristin Clark from 2WheelWeather helped in doubling the number of day-of registrants to over 1000.

I arrived at the Washington County Fairgrounds around 6:15 am to a flurry of activity. Many cyclists had already arrived and many more were filing into the fairgrounds parking areas.

By 7 am many were headed towards the starting area and ready to hit the road and I joined them. The weather conditions were perfect and many described it to be some of the best in the history of the Minnesota Ironman.

I was doing the three loops making up the century ride and wanted to get an early start. I would start with Scandia Loop, jump onto the Afton Loop and finish with the Gateway Loop. The Scandia Loop headed north through farm country towards the town of Scandia and back down through the river valley on the way to Stillwater. I saw every kind of cyclist along the way, the seasoned veterans, recreational riders, children & elderly, recumbent bikers, fatbikers and unicyclists. Part of the fun was seeing all of the different styles of bikes being ridden.

There were two rest stops conveniently located along the Scandia Loop, one in Scandia and the other at Pine Point Park in Stillwater Township. I made a quick pit stop at both for water and a little refueling for the long ride ahead.

By the time I made it through Oak Park heights to catch up with the Afton Loop at Oakgreen Avenue, I was still feeling pretty good after 50+ miles. It was this section of the ride that would put my legs and will to the challenge. My longest ride outdoors this year was only 54 miles and that was three weeks ago, the rest of my training was all indoors doing hill climbing intervals on the spin bike.

After about 3 miles in, it was all downhill from there to Afton. The ride was fast and was one of the most scenic sections of the entire course.

After all of that downhill riding I knew that meant a big climb up out of the valley upon leaving Afton. Afton Town Square Park was the next rest stop where I took a break, ate something, got some more water and applied some sunscreen. By now the temperature was nearing the high 70's.

Now it was time to tackle the category 5, mile long uphill on the St. Croix Trail. I took it slow and steady and made my way up out of the valley passing a unicyclist along the way.

I rode along quiet country roads with plenty more hills and stopped a couple of times to work out cramps in my hamstrings.

There was one last big hill on Manning Avenue as I made my way back to the fairgrounds to join up with the Gateway Loop. Physical exhaustion was setting in and even though I was drinking plenty of water and Gatorade, I was feeling a bit dehydrated. The Afton Loop with all of its hills really took a lot out of me, but I conquered it and only had about 30 more miles to go to complete my first century ride.

I went past the fairgrounds and started on the Gateway Loop without taking a break. I told myself a break would come once I made onto the Gateway Trail. When I got a couple of miles into the Gateway Trail, I stopped and rested shortly and got right back on my bike. I had enough water with me and I figured I would stop at the rest area at Pine Point Park at the end of the trail. There I would take one last break before facing the strong headwinds on the way to Stillwater and Oak Park Heights.

The hills on the last four miles of the route seemed to be the toughest ones of the day since I was all out of energy by then. My body was telling me "no" but I powered through it knowing I was almost done. I rode into the fairgrounds feeling relieved that it was over and excited that I had just completed my first century. My bike computer read 107.3 miles with 7 hours, 34 minutes ride time in the saddle. My goal was to complete 100 miles in under 7 hours and I was successful with 6 hours, 56 minutes.

Image Credit: Russ Lowthian

My sponsor Penn Cycle was going to set me up with a road bike for this one, but I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it on my mountain bike. I will be doing a gravel century later this summer and wanted to get a feel for what 100 miles on a hilly course with a mountain bike was like. After the Ironman, I think I have a lot more training ahead of me, gravel isn't as easy going as paved roads are.

Thanks to Jon Ridge and the rest of the people and sponsors that made the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride possible, they did a great job putting this event on in a wonderful new location. It was very well organized, the routes were scenic, challenging, well marked and I'm looking forward to doing it all over again next year.

For more pictures, visit my Flickr set 2013 Minnesota Ironman Ride.

The Spring Biking Season Kicks Off With a Bang

2013-04-24T06:41:00.001-05:00

After a long winter with the setback of a snowstorm filled April, the Spring biking season kicks off with a bang this weekend. April 26th through the 28th is jam packed with cycling events for riders of all abilities. From a road race, a duathlon and crits to rides, a bike social and a grand opening/Spring kick-off party, there's something for everyone. According to 2WheelWeather, there is a warm up on the way just in time for all of these events. So get that bike out, get 'er tuned up & ready and embrace a long awaited Spring biking season.

April 26, 2013
Bike Jerks Presents Night Moves 2-Bandit Cross Night Crit
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page

April 26, 2013
Spring Party/Grand Opening of the Hub @ SPOKES
Minneapolis, MN

April 27, 2013
Falls Duathlon
Cannon Falls, MN
2 mile run, 14 mile bike, 3 mile run

April 27, 2013
Ken Woods Memorial Road Race
Cannon Falls, MN

April 27, 2013
The Pain on the Floodplain Two
Minneapolis, MN
40 miles

April 27, 2013
30 Days of Biking Bike Social
Minneapolis, MN

April 27, 2013
Tour de Red Wing
Red Wing, MN
43, 37, 16, 10 miles

April 27, 2013
West Bank Ride
Minneapolis, MN

April 28, 2013
Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride

Stillwater, MN

100, 75, 50, 25, 15 miles

Facebook Event Page

Twitter Page

April 28, 2013
Water Tower Turnaround Criterium
St. Paul
U of M St. Paul Campus

For more upcoming cycling events, see my post 2013 Minnesota Bike Tours, Rides, Races & Events Schedule.

2WheelWeather Providing CycleCast For the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride

2013-04-23T07:59:00.001-05:00

Snaploonphotography.com

Meteorologist and avid cyclist Kristin Clark will be providing her 2WheelWeather CycleCast services for Minnesota's longest running century ride, the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride (MIBR). These hyper-local forecasts will be updated in the days leading up to the MIBR and be valuable to cyclists with their detailed weather information for the St. Croix River Valley.

Kristin has provided her 2WheelWeather CycleCast for events that heavily rely on knowing the weather. These have included the Fatbike Frozen Forty, Cuyuna Lakes Whiteout, currently the Trans Iowa V9 and the T.I. V9 CycleCast on Mountain Bike Radio.

Here's what Kristin had to say about the MIBR CycleCast.

"Every Ironman rider has a story and almost every story involves the weather. Over its 47-year history, the Ironman Bicycle Ride has gained quite the reputation for showcasing Minnesota’s wide array of weather. From sweltering heat to snowy streets, the weather can add it’s own element of difficulty and riders need to be prepared.

The MIBR CycleCast will take the guesswork out of the weather by providing riders with a highly detailed, hyperlocal ride forecast. As a biker and a meteorologist, I take my scientific background along with my knowledge of biking to better inform cyclists of the weather they will likely face along the Scenic St. Croix River Valley.

There's no denying that weather affects everything we do, especially when it comes to cycling! Hoping that the MIBR CycleCast can be your home for all your cycling weather needs. Best of luck to all the Ironman riders!"

The CycleCast provided by 2WheelWeather for the MIBR will include all of the details below and will posted on ironmanbikeride.org & 2WheelWeather.com.

5 days prior to race - Blog forecast (CycleCast)

3 days prior to race - Video forecast - This will be 2-5min hyper-local, geography driven weather forecast specifically for the ride. It will include many graphics and me specifically. Just like you would see me if you were watching me on WeatherNation TV.

24 hrs prior to race - Blog forecast (CycleCast)

24 hr after race follow-up - Blog forecast (Post-Race Weather Round Up)

What to wear for a ride that is known as the best organized with the worst weather is crucial to being prepared for the elements and remain comfortable. Coach Bob from Total Cycling Performance has put together a list of things to consider, as well as some recommendations in choosing the proper clothing in a post entitled "A Simple Question: What to Wear?".

Check Kristin's CycleCasts and video forecast so you are prepared for what the weather has in store for the MIBR.

If you are a race, ride or event organizer that is interested in 2WheelWeather's forecasting services, contact Kristin directly at kristin@2wheelweather.com.

Zap Twin Cities: Encouraging and Rewarding Commuting By Bike in Minneapolis & St. Paul

2013-04-19T08:12:00.002-05:00

Zap Twin Cities is looking for St. Paul, Minneapolis and University of Minnesota commuters to get "Zapped". The program was first implemented in 2012 by the University of Minnesota in January, then by Commuter Connection for Minneapolis in August and by St. Paul Smart Trips for St. Paul in September. The goal of the program is to promote and increase bike commuting in the Twin Cities Metro area. It provides incentives and rewards for those that already commute by bike and encourages others to start commuting by this method. This is a completely free program and trip counts are automatically uploaded. Participation in Zap Twin Cities will save you money on gas and parking, provide eligibility for great prizes and is a fun way to improve your health.

Image Credit: Joe Bielawa

Registering and getting tagged is easy. A small RFID tag is installed in the spokes of your front wheel and then you just register online. There are several locations to get tagged. University of Minnesota students and staff can get tagged at the U of M Bike Center during normal business hours or at a mobile "Zap Zone" tent to pop up around campus this spring. In Minneapolis you can bring your bike or front wheel to Commuter Connection located at the US Bank Plaza-Skyway 220 S. 6th St. Suite 230. Commuter Connection will also have a booth at the Minneapolis Farmers Market and at events around Minneapolis throughout the spring and summer to get cyclists tagged and registered. Minneapolis commuters can also get tagged at the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center on the Midtown Greenway or at Varsity Bike and Transit. St. Paul commuters can bring their bike or front wheel to St. Paul Smart Trips located in the Alliance Bank Center at 55 E. 5th St. Suite 202. Call ahead at 651-224-8555, ext. 23 or 24 and they will make sure they are in to tag your bike and get you registered when you stop by.

Zap stations are strategically located around Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota Campus and in St. Paul. As a cyclist passes by these Zap stations an audible beep and a flash of light will indicate that the ride has been registered.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis has 12 Zap readers (orange) and the University of Minnesota has 19 (yellow).

St. Paul

St. Paul has 7 Zap readers (blue) around the downtown area.

Image Credit: Joe Bielawa

To get zapped, a cyclist simply has to look where the Zap station antenna is pointing and pass by within 5 to 15 feet of the "Zap Zone", not on the sidewalk side or directly below the unit as indicated in the picture below. The audible sound and light will indicate a successful Zap. Riders only need to be zapped once per day to receive a round trip ride credit.

The online web app keeps track of all of your Zap ride statistics so manually recording them is not necessary. Log in at the Zap Twin Cities homepage to access how many trips you have logged in a given time period, mileage totals, CO2 you have saved, gallons of gas saved, calories you have burned and if you are a member of a team you can see how yours compares to others.

Zap Twin Cities rewards have been supported by local bike shops that donate prizes and the program will expand this year to include gift certificates to restaurants, movie theaters, and tickets to sporting events. After logging ten rides cyclists automatically receive a prize. Each month that a participant in the Zap Twin Cities program registers eight rides they are automatically entered into a drawing for valuable prizes. Prizes are different every month, so get tagged, registered and start getting Zapped. University of Minnesota students and staff that are UPlan Medical Program-covered participants can bike their way to health care savings by earning points for their Wellness Points Bank when they have 50 trips recorded as part of the Bicycle Commuter Program.

Employers that would like to implement Zap Twin Cities as part of their own health and wellness program can contact the Commuter Connection and they will help get you started.

Stay up to date on the Zap Twin Cities program by liking them on Facebook or following on Twitter (@ZapTwinCities).

This program is a cooperative project of Commuter Connection, St. Paul Smart Trips, the University of Minnesota and Dero Bike Rack Company.

Twin Cities Area Mountain Bike Trail Directory

2013-04-15T10:52:00.000-05:00

Afton Alps*

Hastings

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Battle Creek Regional Park

Maplewood

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: MORC

Carver Lake Park

Woodbury

Map Trail Info Facebook

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: Mountain Bike Geezer

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Maple Grove

Map Trail Info Facebook

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: Griff Wigley

Fort Snelling State Park**

St. Paul

Map Trail Info

Image Credit: MN Trails

Hillside City Park*

Elk River

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: Griff Wigley

Lake Elmo Park Reserve*

Lake Elmo

Map Trail Info

Image Credit: downanddirtyrun.wordpress.com

Lake Rebecca Park Reserve

Rockford

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: MORC

Lebanon Hills Regional Park-West

Eagan

Map Trail Info Facebook Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: Griff Wigley

Long Meadow Lake (MVNWR)

Bloomington

Map Trail Info

Mendota Trail (MN River Bottoms)

Eagan

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Minnesota River Bottoms

Bloomington

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area**

Jordan

Map Trail Info

Image Credit: TrailLink

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

Savage

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: MORC

Salem Hills/Harmon Park Reserve

Inver Grove Heights

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Terrace Oaks Park West

Burnsville

Map Trail Info

MORC Trail Conditions

Theodore Wirth Park

Minneapolis

Map Trail Info Facebook Twitter

MORC Trail Conditions

Image Credit: Mountain Bike Geezer

*fee required
**State Park Vehicle Permit required

Trail Ratings

2013 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide Now Available in Print & Digital Form

2013-04-12T07:57:00.001-05:00

HaveFunBiking has released the 2013 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide that is full of bicycling information for our great state. This year's edition includes even more bike related event listings, maps for bike-friendly areas around the state, cycling & triathlon tips and a kids safety section.

You will also find an extensive listing of bike shops from around the state, contacts for bike clubs & race teams in your area and national, state & city bicycle resources.

The guide has many regional maps that highlight bicycling road routes, paved trails, gravel trails and mountain bike areas. These regions include the Twin Cities Gateway, Apple Valley/Rosemount, Lakeville, Hastings, Faribault, Winona, Root River Trail Towns, Albert Lea, Mankato, Marshall, Western Minnesota Prairie Waters, Willmar, Cuyuna Lakes, Brainerd, Park Rapids, Bemidji, Mesabi Trail Towns, and the Wisconsin areas of Menomonie, La Crosse and Trempealeau County.

This handy pocket guide can be picked up at all Penn Cycle locations, most bike shops and libraries in the Twin Cities area. The guide can also be found at libraries around the state. Scan the QR code with your smartphone, tablet or digital device to view the digital version or click here.

Get informed about the great bicycling opportunities that Minnesota has to offer and have fun biking.

2013 Re/Max Results AttaBoy Ride Set for Father's Day

2013-04-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

The 2nd Annual Re/Max Results AttaBoy Ride will take place on Father's Day, June 16. The ride helps raise funds for the fight against men's cancers, benefiting the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, Open Arms of Minnesota, the Angel Foundation, Sage Scopes, Art of Well and Charity Events of Minnesota.

Image Credit: Life Image, LLC

This year's ride will start out at the Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount and is open to men, women and children. There will be four routes to choose from, 5 mile, 10 mile, 20 mile and 40 mile, but riders can choose to do routes more than once to achieve the mileage they desire. Ride departures start at 7:30 am.

The AttaBoy Ride is a chance to raise money and awareness for men's cancers and to ride with and in remembrance of the special men in your life who have been affected.

Online registration is now open through June 15th and is $35 per rider (children in trailers, trail-a-bikes and tandems do not incur a fee). A $150 fundraising minimum is required to participate. Riders under 18 on their own bicycle are required to register as an adult and pay the registration fee, but are not required to fundraise, though are encouraged to do so. Day-of registration will be available for $50 with a $150 fundraising minimum. If you are unable to attend, you may become a virtual rider for $15 and raise money to support the cause and ride on your own on a day that works for you. Virtual riders will qualify for fundraising incentives and receive a receive a shirt.

Image Credit: Life Image, LLC

The 2013 Re/Max Results AttaBoy Ride is still in need of volunteers to make this event a success. If you would like to help out, please visit the Volunteer Registration page to make your selection(s) and register.

Image Credit: Life Image, LLC

If you have more questions, visit the Re/Max Results AttaBoy Ride home page or the FAQ page. Stay up-to-date by on the ride by liking on Facebook or following on Twitter. The Re/Max Results AttaBoy Ride is produced by Charity Events Minnesota, a registered 501(c)3 organization.

Penn Cycle Announces 2013 Thursday Night at the Races Schedule at Buck Hill

2013-04-04T06:06:00.000-05:00

Image Credit: Penn Cycle & Fitness

Would you like to try your hand at a little mountain bike racing? Never raced before or you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced mountain biker looking for a new challenge? Penn Cycle has the event for the thrill seeker in you. They have announced the 2013 schedule for what has become a summertime Thursday night tradition at Buck Hill, "Thursday Night at the Races".

The races are broken down into three classes, a Beginner Class which consists of approximately a 20 minute race, a Recreational Class which is about a 40 minute race, and the Advanced Class which races for 1 hour. A free kids race is held after the adult races have finished.

Image Credit: Penn Cycle & Fitness

There will be two series of races:

Series One: May 9, 16, 23, 30, and June 6, 13.
Series Two: June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1, 8.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill. The Beginner Class costs $5, the Recreational and Advanced Classes cost $10. Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm. The Advanced and Recreational races start at 6:30 pm followed by the Beginner race at 7:15 pm. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427.

Image Credit: Penn Cycle & Fitness

The Dirty Lemming Gravel Grinder Returns July 20th

2013-04-03T07:24:00.000-05:00

Credit: Dr. John Hokanson

Many of the early season gravel grinder races (Ragnarök 105, Dickie Scramble, Almanzo 100, The Royal 162 & The Westside Dirty Benjamin) have now closed for registration. If you missed out on these or would like to add another opportunity to crush some gravel there is still time to register for the Dirty Lemming Gravel Grinder.

The Dirty Lemming is a free race that will take place on Saturday, July 20th in Watertown, MN. There are two route options to choose from, a 100 mile century and a 62 mile metric century. Postcard registration opened April 1st and will remain open until the roster is filled.

There is a new route under consideration for 2013 and cue sheets & a GPX file for GPS users will be provided. The course will not be marked so pay attention and refer your GPS or odometer for mileage turns on your cue sheet. The race organizer recommends cyclocross or mountain bikes due to the changing conditions of the rutted, loose gravel roads of the route. For more information on details for the race, visit the Ride Details page on the Dirty Lemming blog.

Like most long distance gravel races, this one is unsupported, so make sure you bring the necessary equipment to assist you if you run into trouble. Chris Skogen, organizer of the Almanzo 100, has put together a list of recommended supplies that you should consider carrying for an unsupported gravel race.

For those that finish there will be an after party with brats and beer provided. I'll see you there July 20th. Crush Gravel!

Diirty Lemming (The Movie)

Here is the 2012 route with elevation profile.

2012 Dirtly Lemming Gravel Ride

Planning that Minnesota Summer Biking Vacation: Greater Mankato

2013-04-01T07:26:00.000-05:00

The greater Mankato area in southern Minnesota has been known for a long time by cyclists as one of the premier biking destinations in the state. Mankato and North Mankato have been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a "Bronze" Bicycle Friendly Community through their bike infrastructure, promotion and planning for the future.

The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau has made it easy to plan your bike getaway to enjoy all this area has to offer. An array of information is available on the Visit Greater Mankato website. Here you will learn about biking the Greater Mankato Area, its wonderful trail system, where to stay, where to dine, area attractions and access the digital version of the 2013 Mankato Visitor Guide.

Image: Greater Mankato CVB

The Greater Mankato area has something for every type of cyclist, from mountain biking and trail riding to the region's many great road cycling routes.

Greater Mankato Area Trails

Greater Mankato Area Road Biking Loops

Here you will find some of the best trails in the state that contain scenic views of the Minnesota River, the Blue Earth River, Minneopa State Park, city parks and the woods & fields of the Greater Mankato area.

Trail Highlights

Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail

The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is a 39 mile rail trail that connects Faribault to Mankato where it then joins the North Minnesota River Trail. It travels through the woods, prairies, farmland and a 3 mile section of the Sakatah Lake State Park. Trail Map

Red Jacket Trail

The Red Jacket Trail contains 6 miles of paved trail that starts in Mankato by the riverfront and meanders its way across three railroad trestles including the 550 foot Red Jacket Trestle on its way to the trail's end in Rapidan. The Minnesota River Trail connects at its start and the South Route Trail intersects at the midpoint giving cyclists a few route options to choose from. Trail Map

South Route Trail

The South Route Trail is an 8.3 mile trail that starts at the beautiful Minneopa State Park and travels southeast crossing the Blue Earth River and the Red Jacket Trail on its way to the end at MN Hwy 22. Trail Map

North Minnesota River Trail

The North Minnesota River Trail is a 4.8 mile section of trail that starts at Riverfront Drive on the northern end where it connect to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. It finishes on the southern end close to Sibley Park where it connects to the Red Jacket Trail. Trail users will experience great views as it meanders alongside the Minnesota River for most of its length. Trail Map

Mount Kato

Mount Kato has over 7 miles of beginner to advanced mountain bike trails of which 80% are wooded singletrack. The trails are open in late April through October and trail hours are sunrise to sunset. A trail fee of $8 and helmet use are required. Payment drop off is available so bring correct change or a check. A mountain bike season pass can be purchased in the area office for $110 and is also good at Afton Alps. Trail Map

Seven Mile Creek Park

Image Credit: Minnesota River Basin Data Center

Seven Mile Creek Park is a 628 acre wooded park with over 8 miles of multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking. The trails meander through the heavily wooded ravines with several bridge creek crossings. Trail Map

Events

The Greater Mankato Area is also home to several biking events throughout 2013.

Greater Mankato Bike Week takes place May 13-18 with more details coming soon.
Race #3 of the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series "Bluff Riders Charge" at Mount Kato is going on June 2nd.
The North Mankato Kids Triathlon and North Mankato Triathlon take place the last weekend in June.
The 3rd Annual Mankato River Ramble sponsored by the Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota is scheduled for October 6th.

For more up-to-date information on Mankato area biking events and rides, visit the Greater Mankato Multisport Club.

Brochures

Click on the images below to view these handy Greater Mankato brochures.

The 2013 Mankato Visitor Guide is also available for download or request a copy by mail. To stay up to date on everything that is going on in the Greater Mankato area "like" Visit Mankato on Facebook or follow on Twitter @visitg8rmankato.

3rd Annual Tour de Red Wing Kicks Off the Spring Riding Season

2013-03-28T08:34:00.000-05:00

The 3rd Annual Tour de Red Wing is a great way to start off the riding season with its scenic views of the Mississippi River Valley in and around the city. It's an opportunity to get in that first big ride of the year and support a good cause at the same time. The Tour de Red Wing takes place on Saturday, April 27th and proceeds benefit the Red Wing Rotary Club S.T.R.I.V.E. Program (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education).

Image credit: Red Wing Rotary Club

There are four scenic routes to choose from this year that include 10 mile, 16 mile, 37 mile and 43 mile distances for all levels of cyclists. All routes will start and finish at the Minnesota State College Southeast Technical and participants may start their ride anytime between 7:00 & 8:30 am. SAG wagons will be available to provide support along all routes. There will be sheltered rest stops in place for riders to take a break along the way and the tour finishes off with an included pancake breakfast.

Image credit: Red Wing Rotary Club

Register early for the 10 & 16 mile routes for $20 (~~$30 after April 24~~) and the 37 & 43 mile routes for $40 (~~$50 after April 24~~). Riders under 18 accompanied by an adult ride for only $10. Online registration is available or mail in your completed registration form to the Red Wing Rotary Club. Tour de Red Wing performance t-shirts can be ordered and a limited number of cycling jerseys will also be available for purchase when you register.

For more information contact Tour Director David Anderson by email or by phone at 651-380-4672. Follow updates on the Tour de Red Wing Facebook page by hitting the "Like" button.

HaveFun Tours Announces Four Multi-Day Rides For 2013

2013-03-23T08:06:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for some multi-day excursions to see the beauty of Minnesota by bike, HaveFun Tours offers three bus/bike tours and a fourth circle loop tour for 2013. Each tour includes SAG and mechanical support, baggage transport to each night's destination, camping (with limited hotel/motel options available), breakfasts & lunches and admission to a last night gathering dinner party. Transportation of bikes will be provided on three of the tours.

The Mississippi River Ride I is a Bus/Bike tour that begins and ends in Big Lake, Minnesota. Meet Tuesday afternoon on June 4, to board the bus for Park Rapids, for five days of riding. Starting Wednesday, June 5 - Sunday, June 9, following the river and many of its tributaries back to Big lake. The tour is limited to 150 people, for a multi-modal Mississippi River riding experience.

Day 1 - Leave Park Rapids for Itasca State Park, at the Mississippi's headwaters, then on to Bemidji.

Day 2 - Continue along the river, around Lake Winnibigosh to the Federal Dam, then to Deer River.

Day 3 - Here the ride will leave the river for the day, riding south to the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Day 4 - Picking up the Paul Bunyan Trail the route continues south to Camp Ripley, then along the Mississippi to Little Falls.

Day 5 - Your last day along the river, it's on to St. Cloud for lunch, returning back to Big Lake, to the starting point.

Click here for more details.

The Minnesota River History Ride is a Bus/Bike tour that begins and ends in Shakopee, Minnesota. Meet Tuesday evening, July 9, to board the bus to Ortonville for five days of riding along the river, visiting many river communities full of frontier history along the way. From Wednesday, July 10, through Sunday, July 14, the tour is limited to 150 people, for a Minnesota River history ride experience.

Day 1 -Leave Ortonville, riding around Lac Qui Parle Lake, then on to Montevideo where a full scale railroad working museum awaits.

Day 2 -Continue along the river through Granite Falls, with an option of stopping at Upper Sioux Agency State Park, then Belview, and on to the Redwood Falls Area for you evening fun, food and rest.

Day 3 - While here check out a famous battle field or county museum, then enjoy a few more historic sites before reaching New Ulm.

Day 4 - After enjoying the German charm (maybe an optional brewery tour/guided history tour) the route continues on to Mankato, as both the river and bike route makes a swing to the northeast to St. Peter.

Day 5 - After taking in the sights of this college town and the Sioux Treaty Site/History Center the bike journey and river current continue north up through the river communities of Le Sueur,Belle Plain and Chaska before returning back to Shakopee.

Click here for more details.

This Bluff Country/Root River Ride is a loop tour that begins and ends in Peterson, MN. Meet Wednesday evening, August 8, for packet pickup party and preparation for your bicycling adventure on Thursday, August 9 through the 11th. This 4-day tour is limited to 150 cyclist who want to enjoy the history and scenery of Southeast Minnesota.

Day 1 - From Peterson, journey up to Whitewater State Park, then St Charles on your way to Lanesboro.

Day 2 - Ride up the valley floor on the Root River Trail to Fountain then the route makes a loop over to Spring Valley, through Historic Forestville State Park, to Preston, and then on to Harmony.

Day 3 - After checking out the Amish culture the ride heads east, passing through the Steam Engine Capitol, Mabel, MN. then onto Caledonia, after checking out an historic mill along the way. Dinner party w/photo scavenger awards and fun follows!

Day 4 - After enjoying the charm here the route makes its way back up to the Root River, stopping in Houston, then Rushford before returning back to Peterson.

Click here for more details.

The Mississippi River Ride II is a Bus/Bike tour that begins and ends in Hastings, Minnesota. Meet Friday evening, Sept 30, to register and relax in preparation for this Labor Day Weekend Journey. Saturday, after breakfast and a brief orientation the ride follows the river valley for a two day tour, to La Crosse. On Labor Day, Sept 2, enjoy the local bike festival there before a motor coach returns you andyour gear back to Hastings. The tour is limited to 150 people, for another multi-modal Mississippi River experience.

Day 1 - After a kickoff breakfast along the river and a brief orientation the ride leave Hastings, winding through the river valley to Redwing, then Lake City, and on to Wabasha for the night.

Day 2 - As the eagles sour on the bluffs current, the tour continues south passing through Kellogg, then to Winona for lunch and some discovery time. After lunch the route takes you up past the historic Pickwick Mill to ride the scenic ridges and Apple Blossom Byway into La Crescent, then over the river to La Crosse for your final evening of fun on the Mississippi River.

Day 3 - Here the bike tour ends. After enjoying a leisure breakfast, take in the bike festival and charm of this historic river town before loading into luxury motor coach buses to catch parts of the river, we may have missed on the bike journey down. After taking in the sight along the way, the buses will return back to Hastings where your bikes and gear will be waiting.

Click here for more details.

Create some great biking memories this summer on one of these fantastic tours and see some of Minnesota's most beautiful scenery on two wheels. For more information contact Russ or Steph by email at tours@havefunbiking.com or give them a call at 612-723-4511.

Minnesota High School Cycling League Getting Ready For 2013 Season

2013-03-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

After a successful inaugural season, the Minnesota High School Cycling League prepares for 2013 with the addition of new teams & more racing, a series of informational meetings, Leader's Summit, the introduction of the new outreach initiative "Crank Sisters" and a movie night fundraiser.

Twenty teams are now registered for the 2013 season with additional teams forming in Chaska, Cuyuna Lakes, Maple Grove/Osseo, Shakopee and Champlin. There will be two informational meeting for teams now forming in the Duluth Area on March 22nd & 23rd and another meeting has been scheduled for April 22nd at REI in Roseville. If you would like to learn more about mountain bike racing, have an interest in becoming a coach or would like to volunteer at upcoming races, please attend one of these meetings. To learn more visit the Minnesota High School League's Informational Meetings page. A two day Leader's Summit has been scheduled for April 20-21, 2013 at Quality Bicycle Products in Bloomington for parents and volunteers who would like to become licensed coaches for the Minnesota High School Cycling League.

Join Us – Let’s Get Girls Racing!
Our new outreach initiative, Crank Sisters, encourages high school girls to become racers and women to become coaches in the MN League. Through networking, knowledge sharing, scholarships, league and fee discounts, and coaching rebates, Crank Sisters will be the channel to overcoming fears, setting goals, and learning how racing and coaching in the MN League is both rewarding and the basis for a healthy lifestyle.

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

One fourth of the racers in 2012 were girls and the Minnesota High School Cycling League would like to see that double. A Crank Sisters Summit Day has been scheduled for April 20, 2013. More details and sign up information are coming soon.

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

Singletrack High Movie Night is a fundraising event for the Minnesota High School Cycling League that will be held April 18, 2013 at the Edina Cinema-3911 W. 50th Street Edina, MN 55424. Online ticket purchase for this event is recommended due to limited seating, but tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Singletrack High is a wonderful film that depicts what participation in mountain bike racing does for a community and its students. The film follows six athletes from the NorCAL League in the 2012 season. The film does an excellent job of showcasing what NICA is all about and what the kids who participate in the league get from it. From an inner city kid that finds a means to escape the rough neighborhoods of South Sacramento to a pair of girls breaking into a sport traditionally dominated by boys. The film explores the wide range of positive outcomes from keeping adolescents active on bikes at an age when many are "trading in two wheels for four," as one of the subjects puts it. "Come see what the MN League is bringing to our Minnesota student-athletes," said MN League Director Gary Sjoquist, "You will not be disappointed, more likely...inspired. See you at the movies on Thurs. April 18!"

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

About the Minnesota High School Cycling League

The Minnesota High School Cycling League, founded in 2011, serves all Minnesota high school-aged students, and regardless of ability level, is committed to providing a positive co-ed cycling experience. New for 2013, the MN League launched Crank Sisters, an outreach program established to recruit girls to race and women to become licensed coaches in the MN League. Each MN League season includes summer camps, a five-race series, wilderness first aid certification courses and a Spring Leaders’ Summit for training and certification of coaches. The MN League exists by virtue of a range of fundraising activities, as well as generous donors, and MN League sponsors including the founding national sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components; as well as establishing NICA sponsors Easton Foundations, SRAM, and Trek Bicycles; major sponsors Sho-Air, Clif Bar and Company, Clif Bar Foundation, Primal Wear, Quality Bicycle Products, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, CamelBak, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, and Ritchey Designs; media partners Mountain Bike Action, Dirt Rag, and Cyclingnews. MN League specific sponsors include Founding Retailers Penn Cycle and Erik’s Bike and Board Shop, Mt Borah, Life Time Cycle, HealthPartners Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series, Park Tool, Ipsity Marketing, Random Bikes, and Valley Bike and Ski. For more information on the MN League, visit minnesotamtb.org.

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

Mission Statement
The Minnesota High School Cycling League works to establish and maintain safe, quality high school mountain bike programs. The MN League is responsible for establishing a climate that will:

Provide students who have the desire to mountain bike with the coaching and camaraderie that will help them achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner;
Develop an awareness of what it is to be an amateur athlete that is both gracious and respectful to their community;
Create an environment in which they may discover new friendships and find role models;
Guide students towards learning new skills and disciplines, and spread the foundations of mountain bike racing across the U.S.;
Foster a responsible attitude toward the use of trails and wilderness;
Promote the value of cycling to our community as a mode of transportation and as a life long sport.''

Image Credit: Minnesota High School Cycling League

If you would like to become a sponsor, make a contribution or volunteer please visit the Support Minnesota page. Stay updated on the Minnesota High School Cycling League by signing up for League Newsletters, following on Twitter @MinnesotaMTB, or liking on Facebook.

2013 Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride Gets a Change of Scenery

2013-03-17T08:23:00.000-05:00

The 2013 Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride is getting a change of scenery after 13 years in Lakeville, MN. Ride organizers have decided to move the event to the scenic St. Croix River Valley with a starting point at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds will be the centralized hub for the four routes this year which will include a 50 mile loop, two 27 mile loops and a 14 mile loop. Riders will have the opportunity on the morning of the ride to choose a single route or a combination of routes to achieve their desired mileage. Click here for a map of the 2013 preliminary routes.

Image Credit: Derrick Williams, Lakeville Patch

The move will give cyclists a more challenging ride than at previous Ironman locations with more hill climbing on the way through the towns of Scandia, Marine on St. Croix, Stillwater, Afton and Lake Elmo. The routes have been set up to attract all types of cyclists from beginners, middle distance riders and the experienced long distance century riders. Because of the change of venue and the new routes, the Minnesota Gran Fondo will be put on hold for this year.

The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride has a reputation as the best organized ride with the worst weather because of its Spring rains and gale force winds, so dress appropriately and be prepared to ride rain or shine. Helmets are required for all participants and SAG wagons will be providing rider support along the routes. For more detailed rider information, click here.

Individual and team registration is available online, by downloading the registration form and mailing it in or register the day of the ride between 6:30 & 9:30 am. Check in and ride start will be between 6:30 & 9:30 am on Sunday, April 28th.

If you are interested in helping to make the ride a success by volunteering, download the 2013 Volunteer Form or send an e-mail to volunteer@ironmanbikeride.org.

Keep up-to-date by following the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride on Twitter @mnironmanride or liking on Facebook. The Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride benefits Hostelling International USA, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization.

Meteorologist Kristin Clark Launches 2WheelWeather

2013-03-12T09:08:00.000-05:00

Image Credit: Kristin Clark

Meteorologist and avid mountain biker Kristin Clark has been very busy over the last year with her work at Weather Nation TV, the MORC Weather Blog and providing detailed forecasts for the Fatbike Frozen 40 and the Cuyuna Lakes Whiteout. Her passion for weather and cycling has spawned her newest project, 2WheelWeather.

"As a meteorologist and a mountain biker, I've always had the vision of combining weather and cycling. Over the past year, I've provided relevant weather information for cyclists across the state of MN via my weather blog on MORC. Out of this idea, 2WheelWeather.com was born...like the MORC Weather Blog but with more emphasis on getting the cyclists involved in sharing a cycling experience impacted by weather, uploading cycling photos and videos, or talking about the micro-climates that make their local trails special. 2WheelWeather will be an interactive, national cycling community about weather and it's impacts on cycling."

Image Credit: SnapLoonPhotography.com

2WheelWeather will be your source for "everything and anything related to cycling weather". It will contain a variety of information about cycling the four seasons and weather's affects on gear and trail conditions.

"2WheelWeather will also be able to provide accurate, highly detailed hyper-local weather forecasts for events and races. A white-labeled race day forecast has proven to be a tremendous asset to any race website. Participants will keep coming back to the race website to get the latest weather updates and trail conditions. With previous race day forecasts that I've done, knowing the specific weather details for race day has helped with early registration and has been a benefit to racers, sponsors and volunteers. There's no denying that weather affects everything we do, especially when it comes to cycling!"

Image: Kristin Clark

Kristin says 2WheelWeather is an ever evolving idea and will include the "CycleCast" providing past, present and future weather data. If you have followed the MORC Weather Blog, you will know how valuable the CycleCast has been to cyclists planning and preparing for rides. It has helped me many times to pick which days are best to ride and how I should dress for the weather. It will provide cyclists with all the standard weather information such as temperature, wind speed and radar but with a much more in-depth look.

"Imagine getting a hyper-local quantitative precipitation forecast, seasonal outlooks, one-hour precipitation estimates, soil moisture anomalies and freeze outlooks for your favorite trail. The possibilities are endless for what can be included in 2WheelWeather's CycleCast."

Kristin's hope is that 2WheelWeather will be a valuable resource to all cyclists, whether they are doing a long distance competitive endurance race, a leisurely Saturday afternoon ride or a quick trip down to the local mountain bike trail. It is still a work in progress, but Kristin says, "2WheelWeather.com is rollin' along slowly but surely".

If you are a race or event coordinator that is interested in hyper-local weather information for your event, contact Kristin@2WheelWeather.com.

Follow Kristin on Twitter @KClarkWNTV.

Bike Trail Picture of the Day - 3/11/13

2013-03-11T17:46:00.003-05:00

Riding the St. Paul Riverfront

Taken 3/11/13

Location: Sam Morgan Regional Trail

Upper Landing Park

St. Paul, MN

View BTPOD 3/11/13 in a larger map

Take Mountain Biking to the Slopes

2013-03-08T11:06:00.001-06:00

Minnesota has a lot of great mountain bike trails statewide, but if you want to add some challenge to the ride in the form of altitude and gradient, head to the ski slopes. Once the ski season is over, the snow is long gone and the ground has dried up, several Minnesota ski resorts open up to mountain biking come late spring. These trails will test your abilities with their tough climbs, fast descents, hairpin turns, rocks and roots to create a technically demanding ride.

The ski slope mountain bike season generally runs from May through October and most ski areas charge a trail fee which can be purchased for the day or the season.

Afton Alps

Afton Alps, located in Hastings, has over 7 miles of intermediate to advanced singletrack running throughout the ski area with great views of the scenic St. Croix River Valley. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset and $9/day trail fee and helmets are required. A season pass is also available for $110.

Trail Map

MORC Trail Review

MN Bike Trail Navigator Photo Gallery

Mountain Biking Afton Alps from Wingman Productions

Buck Hill

While riding at Buck Hill in Burnsville is not open to the public, Penn Cycle holds Thursday Night at the Races here. There are two series of races on Thursday nights, the first runs in May and June and the second in June through August. There are three classes to race in, Beginner is about a 20 minute race, Recreational is about a 40 minute race and the Advanced race lasts about an hour. There are lots of door prizes handed out and bring the kids for a free kid's race after the finish of the advanced race. Dates for 2013 have not been set yet, but I will post them as soon as they become available.

One lap at Buck

Giants Ridge

Giants Ridge in Biwabik has over 24 miles of beginner to advanced singletrack, cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails and abandoned logging roads to ride May through October. Mountain biking here is a great deal, only $5 for the day or $50 for the season. Mountain bike rentals are also available at the Summmer Rental Shop. Trail Map

John Filander talks about mountain biking at Giants Ridge

Mount Kato

Mount Kato in Mankato has over 7 miles of beginner to advanced mountain bike trails of which 80% are wooded singletrack. The trails will be open in late April through October and trail hours are sunrise to sunset. A trail fee of $8 and helmet use are required. Payment drop off is available so bring correct change or a check. A mountain bike season pass can be purchased in the area office for $110 and is also good at Afton Alps. Trail Map

Mountain Biking Mount Kato

Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain in Duluth has new mountain bike trails set to open on May 23rd, 2013. These are flow trails which will test and develop your gravity-based mountain bike skills. The two trails that will be opening are Candyland, a 1.5 mile beginner/intermediate downhill flow trail and Smorgasboard, a 1 mile intermediate freeride/downhill mountain bike trail. The trails will be open Thursdays 4-8 pm, Fridays 1-8 pm and weekends 10 am-4 pm. Spirit Mountain has installed the new "Spirit Express II" chairlift that will take riders and their bikes back to the top of the mountain after a ride down the trails. Chairlift rates are $8 for a single ride or $20 for an all day pass. Aaron Rogers, IMBA Midwest Trail Specialist has declared this to be the best flow trail in the Midwest".